International studio (81.1925)

mceRHACionAL

sruoio

SHRINE OF DIM MA'S BOOK (FRONT VIEW)

sents various periods of decoration. The fact that work to the artist Gillabaithin, the inscriptions

it is engraved with certain motifs also found on state that the treasure was wrought for Cenn-

the illuminated manuscript might denote that the failad, Abbot of Devenish. The ancient Gospel

relics were coeval. The cumclach is an excellent which it originally sheltered has utterly vanished,

illustration of the Gaelic craftsman's use of pierced but the scribe was supposed to be St. Molaise,

work, in this instance the patterns on silver panels celebrated sixth-century founder of the historic

being cast into relief by dark underlying plates of monastery on Devenish Island, Lough Erne,

bronze or copper. A small crucifix on the front is Three different shades of bronze were used for

affixed to a large engraved cross, set with glass the foundation box, some of the lovely designs

studs, the two Marys stationed on the lower open- which overlaid it still remaining. Among these

work compartments. The back is very similar to may be observed the symbols of the Four Evan-

the front, the cross set with a large oval crystal, gelists and little ecclesiastical figures which might

surrounded by studs of Iapis-Iazuli, the silver serve as studies in historic costume. Gold filigree,

panels featuring an openwork pattern. silver panels of zoomorphic tracery, a carbuncle

The Soiscel Molaise, or Shrine of St. Molaise set en cabouchon, and a red enameled hinge in the

Gospels, was once a magnificent object and may shape of a dog's head, are further witnesses of

antedate the eleventh century. Assigning the alluring beauty.

SEPTEMBER 1925

Jour sixty-Jive